Lord Siva descended to the earth to share the joy with Manikanda. They dumped the body of Mahishi ina place called "Kallidaam kunnu". The Lord upon his arrival tied his ox in a place called "kaala ketti". Manikanda danced over the body of Mahishi with joy. Leela emerged, redeemed from her curse. She wanted to marry the brave Manikanda. The Lord declined her request since he was a pure bachelor. However, he permitted Leela Mahishi to be seated near him as his "Sakthi". Her location is now called by the name "Maalikapuram". It is believed that she is still waiting there with the hope that Lord Ayyappa may once change his mind and marry her. In order to prevent any such temptation from lord Ayyappa’s end, even now adult women is not allowed to visit the Sabari temple. However, we haven’t seen yet how the Sabari temple was built.

Lord Ayyappa after fulfilling his duties to Devas, insisted that he should go back to his mother with leopard’s milk as he promised her. Devendhran, the king of Devas turned himself into a leopard. Lord Ayyappa mounted and commanded to proceed to the palace. Upon seeing Manikanda back in the palace the ing overjoyed and the queen contrite. They were convinced that Manikanda was an "Avathara" of God himself. They prayed for mercy and forgiveness. They all requested Manikanda to remain and rule the kingdom as their savior. However, Manikandan insisted that he should return to the place where he belongs.

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